From the clubs
Submit club news and photos of activities to Club News, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, IL 60123. Or e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com or fax to (847) 608-0849.
Donor Club: The Donor Club of Elgin will present its traditional book review and tea at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at the First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin. The tickets are $12 each and are available from members or by calling Joan at (847) 888-3453 or Shirley at (847) 741-6663. Limited tickets will also be sold at the door. Tea, coffee and cookies will be served. There will be homemade cookies, peanut brittle, breads and cupcakes for sale as well as some gently-used books. A basket raffle will also be held.
This year marks Barbara Rinella's 22nd year of giving book reviews for the Donor Club. This year's selection is "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan. It is a beautifully orchestrated rendering of the affair and the inner lives of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. In 1903, Mamah and her husband, Edwin, had commissioned the renowned architect to design a new home for them. During the construction of the house, a powerful attraction developed between Mamah and Frank, and in time the lovers, each married with children, embarked on a course that would shock Chicago society and forever change their lives.
American Legion: McHenry County Legionnaires from all county posts are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the McHenry County Council at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at the American Legion McHenry Post 491, 1331 N. Riverside Drive, McHenry. The host post is Richmond Post 253. For details, call Richmond Post 253 Commander and McHenry County Council Commander, Robert Howe Jr. at (815) 653-6391.
Book Club: Gail Borden Public Library's first "Book Club Jamboree" will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. A thirst for good conversation is what attracted Elgin resident Tish Calhamer to a neighborhood book club. The book club fan, who also happens to be the library's coordinator of readers' advisory, wants to help other book lovers start their own clubs at the library's first Book Club Jamboree at 7 p.m. "I had attended small book club mixers at area book stores and thought it was a good idea to bring to the library," Calhamer said. "Book clubs really add to your reading experience when you discuss the book. And you may be exposed to books you normally wouldn't pick up on your own."
Jamboree participants will learn how to start a club and make it thrive, how to ignite group discussions, and learn about book club resources offered at the library as well as those available online. Refreshments will be served and time set aside for mingling. The Book Club Jamboree is free but register at www.gailborden.info or by calling (847) 429-4680.
Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club: On Sept. 6, the Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club held its annual Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contests. Cary resident Jennifer McAllister placed first in both the Humorous Speech Contest and the Evaluation Contest. McAllister has been a Toastmasters member since February 2002. Joan Walton of Algonquin placed second and Dave Matthiesen of Crystal Lake placed third in the Humorous Speech Contest. Steve Scott of Crystal Lake placed second and Art Budelier of Crystal Lake placed third in the Evaluation Contest.
McAllister competes next in the Toastmasters International NW-1 Area Contest at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. The Area Contest will take place at Amcore Bank, 5100 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake. Community audience members are welcome and invited to attend. The Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club is part of Toastmasters International, a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to providing opportunities, tools and support to improve your communication and leadership skills. The Crystal Lake Toastmasters Club meets the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Crystal Lake Amcore Bank located on Route 14. Visitors are welcome at all club meetings. For information, visit crystallaketoastmasters.org; or contact Connie Bartholomew at (847) 337-1204 or cbartholomew19@yahoo.com. For information about Toastmasters International and to find additional clubs, go to toastmasters.org.
Square Dancing Club: The Batavia Bachelors and Bachelorettes Square Dancing Club meets for the fall at Free Methodist Church, Third and Walnut streets in St. Charles. Dancing is from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays. On Sept. 26, Jimmy Robison will be the caller with Juliann Hill as the cuer. Single dancers are welcome. For information, call (630) 584-1343 or (630) 896-7133.
Knights of Columbus: The Monsignor Henry Schryer Council of the Knights of Columbus will host a Soccer Challenge from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27, on soccer field No. 7 at the Elgin Sports Complex. The competition is open to all boys and girls ages 10 to 14. Each contestant will take 15 penalty kicks at a standard soccer goal. Points will be awarded based on accuarcy. For information, call Larry Smith at (847) 608-6577.
VFW Post 2298: The Tri-City Evergren Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298, 117 S. First St., West Dundee, is hosting an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27. Admission is $7 or $3 for kids, age 5 to 12.
Kane County Audubon Society: The public is invited to programs and activities of the Kane County Audubon Society. At 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, join the bird walk at LeRoy Oakes Kane County Forest Preserve. They will be looking for fall migrants and possibly early winter arrivals. LeRoy Oakes is at 37W370 Dean St., St. Charles. For information, call Tim Balassie at (630) 513-7345 or visit kanecountyaudubon.org.
Mothers & More: Mothers & More of McHenry County welcomes you to join us for a fun Open House night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29 at the Crystal Lake Panera Bread, 6000 Northwest Hwy. There is a variety of monthly programs to support the many interests and needs of mothers as individuals. In the group, women share experiences and develop friendships through social, informational and outreach programs, as well as events that include their children/families. For information, call the hotline at (815) 334-7813 or visit mchenrymothers.org. Join for refreshments, a door prize drawing and a fun night out.
Does the hectic pace of daily life ever get in the way of intimacy with your spouse? Most happy marriages have an element of closeness that may change over time. Whatever your definition of "intimacy" might be, it usually takes effort to maintain it. Mothers & More of McHenry County welcomes Sara Ryerson, a therapist and licensed clinical social worker, to present some of the latest research and lead a discussion about making intimacy more than just something on your "to do" list. The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, 427 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake. RSVP to lseiter@sbcglobal.net or via phone at (815) 479-5733 by Sunday, Sept. 28. Munchies will be provided.
Forgat Mig Ej: Here is a chance to learn about your Scandinavian heritage. The Scandinavian Children's Club, Forgat Mig Ej, is gearing up for a new year, and is looking for new members. Anyone age 5 through high school is welcome to join the group, which meets once a month on Sunday afternoon, and teaches children about the Scandinavian heritage through music, crafts and cooking. The children also learn to sing and dance, performing throughout the community, including at their annual St. Lucia festival at Christmas. This group has members from Huntley to Barlett and everywhere in between. Meetings are held in Cary, with the first meeting scheduled for Oct. 5. For information on the group, e-mail us at mchenryswedes@comcast.net.
Elgin Woman's Club: The next Elgin Woman's Club luncheon meeting and program will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the Holiday Inn, 495 Airport Road, Elgin. The business meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. Hosted by the Conservation Department, the program will feature a presentation on climate change solutions by Sandy Kaptain, co-chair of Slow Global Warming, an Elgin organization formed a year and a half ago. Kaptain is a semiretired home care nurse and also worked at the Elgin Sanitary District for 14 years as the assistant chief chemist and industrial pretreatment coordinator.
Along with Kaptain, Slow Global Warming board members Sigi Psimenos and Kathy Haer will give a panel discussion on what each person can do to reduce global warming and slow climate change. Time will be allotted for questions and answers. Cheryl Lee is chairman for the October meeting, assisted by committee members Virginia Madison, Pat Sjurseth and Marguerite Tabbert. Members are asked to make reservations no later than Friday, Oct. 3, by calling the EWC hotline at (847) 622-3614. The luncheon meeting and program costs $13 and can be paid by check at the door the day of the meeting.
The club meets monthly from September to May at local restaurants for luncheon meetings and programs. Women interested in receiving more information about the Elgin Woman's Club also can call the EWC hotline. This year, the Elgin Woman's Club is celebrating its 121st year, having been founded in 1887 and one year later, founded Sherman Hospital. Since the club was organized members have supported hundreds of local projects including yearly scholarships to students from U-46 high schools. In addition, members serve as readers in local schools, volunteers in hospitals and other agencies throughout the Elgin area and are active in recycling, conservation, women's health, international affairs and other projects.
Zonta Club: Looking for some fellowship and networking opportunities with professional women in your community? The Zonta Club of St. Charles-Geneva-Batavia is a local organization of professional women working to improve the status of women in the area. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 7 at Prairie Landing Golf Club, Route 38 and Kautz Road in West Chicago. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner costs $25. Reservations must be called in to Christie Plotzke by Sept. 30 at (847) 931-2292. For information about Zonta, contact Bobbie Gerbrecht, club president, at bobbie@bobbiegrayson.com or (630) 879-7889.
Fox Valley Rocketeers: The Fox Valley Rocketeers, a local club of model rocketry enthusiasts, is hosting its October Rocket Launch from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at a farm field at 505 Menge Road, Marengo, roughly at the intersection of Menge and Bauman roads. The launch theme is "Two for the Road," multi-stage rockets. Rocket fliers are welcome to come and fly low- and mid-power rockets, and to attend the club meeting, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. For details, call Mark Bundick at (815) 337-9068 or Ken Hutchinson at (815) 444-0539, or visit www.foxvalleyrocketeers.org for a map to the field or library.
Hampshire VFW Auxiliary: The Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 8043 will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St.
At the Sept. 7 meeting with president Jerrilynne Partlo, the chaplain pro tem was Jean Stojan and gave the opening prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and group singing of "God Bless America." The recent drawing with the Post was very successful and the patriotic buckets assembled by Donna Proffitt were very well-received.
The winner at the Burlington Fall Fest was Shirley Zoetlick. Hospital chairwoman Doris Klock reported on the items that she has received for the hospitalized veterans at Elgin Mental Health Center. "Make A Difference Day" will be Saturday, Oct. 25 and members are asked to bring a donation to the Hampshire/Burlington Food Pantry at the next meeting. Final decision will be made at the next meeting for the balance to complete this project.
The Fifth District meeting was held Sept. 7; treasurer Arlene Reiser attended the meeting. Hampshire Auxiliary was very honored to receive the following citations of the programs by the Fifth District president Sylvia Wilvert: Americanism, Cancer Aid and Research, Community Service, Junior Girls Unit, Legislative/PAC, Membership, Patriotic Art/Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen, Veterans and Family Support, and Youth Activities. The forms for the Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy contest will be delivered to the respective schools. At the present time, the Fifth District is in second place in the Department on membership. Arlene Reiser, cancer aid and research chairwoman, reported that October is National Breast Cancer Month and national mammography day is Friday, Oct. 17. The state of Illinois Department President Jan Morrow, senior vice president JoLynn Altvatter and conductress Janet Snow were present at the Fifth District meeting. Membership drive for 2009 is in progress and Hampshire Ladies VFW Auxiliary 8043 welcomes new members. Call Arlene (847) 683-3443 if you have any questions.
Philoptochos Society: The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church will present "Step Up ... For Life" Benefit Luncheon and Festival of Tables.
Taking place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 in Elgin, this charitable event will greatly benefit children afflicted with cancer through our direct support of Children's Oncology Services Inc. and St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Tickets are $44 and include a gourmet lunch. Children's Oncology Services Inc. believes that a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood. Through the One Step At A Time programs, COSI offers camp experiences and educational programs throughout the year that allow children with cancer to just be kids. Their programs offer fun, friendship and support in a safe and nurturing environment. For more information, visit stepupforlifebenefit.com or call (847) 888-2822. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Hampshire VFW: Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8043 will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 at the Hampshire Township building, 100 Center St., Hampshire. At the Sept. 8 meeting, chaplain Ed Wesemann offered a special prayer given in remembrance of Patriot Day, Sept. 11, with the Salute to the Colors. The charter was draped in memory of World War II veteran Leroy Leibert. Special presentation on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. by World War II veteran and member, Peter Vasquez. On this trip Vasquez was accompanied by his daughter, Linda who was also present when her father gave the presentation and showed pictures of his interesting and enjoyable trip to the group. Blue Star Flag was presented to Mrs. William Hornbeck whose husband has been deployed for his third tour of duty to Afghanistan. The flag was presented by Commander Lowell Reiser and Junior Vice Commander Jim Setter. The scholarship drawing was very successful and the post is very appreciative of the cooperation by the post and auxiliary members and the local communities. Clothing donations have been delivered for the veterans at Transitional Living Services in Hebron. New members are welcome. For details, call Commander Reiser (847) 683-3443.
Signal Hill DAR: Signal Hill Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a Tri Chapter meeting on Friday, Oct. 17. The Kishwaukee Trail chapter and Eli Skinner chapter will join with Signal Hill in welcoming the State Regent Betty Hartley Ford, to a luncheon at Makray Memorial Golf Club, 1010 S. Northwest Highway (Route 14), Barrington. The chapter will hold a short business meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by 11 a.m. receiving line (white gloves required) for the guest. A buffet luncheon will be served at noon, followed by the program "Exhilarating, Energizing and Enthusiasm" presented by the state regent. Reservations due by Tuesday, Oct. 7. Send your check in the amount of $22.50 to Lucy Ruth, 275 Old Mill Road, Barrington, IL 60010-4732. For information regarding membership, call Leslie Rohrer at (847) 587-5301.
Boy Scout Troop 43: Do you remember the wonderful Dundee Scots hoagies? That great smell of salami, provolone cheese and prosciutto on a fresh 6-inch Gonnella french bread. The Hoagie Roll topped with onions, tomatoes, olive oil and a special secret ingredient. They can give you plain, hot and spicy for $4.50 per hoagie. You can purchase your freshly made hoagies from Boy Scout Troop 43 of Carpentersville. They will be selling hoagies from now until Oct. 18. Delivery will be Oct. 25 so call the Hoagie hotline at (847) 426-5193. How about a hoagie party, watching your favorite teams win the playoffs or series? All proceeds will help a Scout go to summer camp. For details, call Grace Rapach at (847) 428-7467
Illinois State Genealogical Society: The Illinois State Genealogical Society will celebrate 40 years as a society with a conference, "40 Years of Discovery - Portals to the Future," on Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Fox Valley University and Business Center on the campus of Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Featured speakers will be: Beau Sharbrough, product manager for MyFamily.com and founder of the Web site, the GENTECH Web site and the Lexicon Working Group; Lou Szucs, currently executive editor and vice president of community relations for Ancestry.com and author of "They Became Americans: Chicago and Cook County Sources," and D. Joshua Taylor, a nationally recognized genealogical author, lecturer and researcher who is currently the Research Services Coordinator at the New England Historic Genealogical Society. For information, visit rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilsgs/ or e-mail isgsconference@sbcglobal.net or call (847) 695-5893.